Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

About

Phalaropes are a strange group of pot-bellied, long-necked, short-legged, needle-billed waders that prefer to be in the water, rather than at the edge. Unusually in birds, phalarope females are more brightly coloured than the males who spend their time incubating the nests so need to be more camouflaged. In a role reversal that goes further than just plumage, females will compete for nest sites at breeding grounds, choose a male and then defend him against other females. Once the chicks arrive, the female leaves the male to raise them on his own.

How to identify

In their non-breeding plumage, red-necked phalaropes are grey, with a dark patch near the eye and on the head. During the breeding season, females have a white chin with a surrounding rust-red band on the neck, grey breast and dark back. Males are duller, with a grey back and white underside. The similar grey phalarope is slightly larger and stockier, with a thicker bill and is more likely to be found around the coast.

Where to find it

A very rare nesting bird of western and northern Scottish Isles. A rare visitor to wetlands anywhere in the country during spring and autumn migration, but most often seen on the east coast.

Habitats

When to find it

May

June

July

August

September

How can people help

Red-necked phalaropes are extremely rare breeding birds in the UK; only 20-30 males are thought to be here in summer. For this reason, they are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance. Local Wildlife Trusts across the country are looking after wetland habitats for the benefit of all kinds of species. And you can help too: volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts and you could be involved in everything from monitoring populations to clearing scrub and coppicing, raising awareness to protecting nesting birds.

Join us

Species information

Common name

Red-necked Phalarope

Latin name

Phalaropus lobatus

Category

BirdsWading birds

Statistics

Length: 18-19cm Wingspan: 36cm Weight: 36g

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Classified in the UK a Red List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review and as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.